Tokyo hit by rare heavy snowfall; trains delayed

TOKYO (AP) — The Tokyo area was hit by a rare heavy snowfall Saturday, stalling trains, grounding flights, and blanketing roads and skyscrapers with snow.

By mid-afternoon, around 10 centimeters (4 inches) of snow had fallen.

The Japan Meteorological Agency issued its first heavy snowfall warning for central Tokyo in 13 years. It warned that snow and rain would continue through the night, but that skies would clear gradually Sunday.

Several universities in Tokyo delayed the start of entrance exams because of delays in metropolitan trains and subways, known for almost always being on time.

Major carriers Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways suspended domestic flights from Tokyo's Haneda airport. Some bullet trains were delayed and parts of expressways were closed.

Japanese media said dozens of injuries were being reported from people slipping and falling, or crashing their cars.